Quad Cities Performing Arts Mentorship (QCPAM) is a pilot program designed for live performing artists based in the Quad Cities. The initial cohort of Spring 2024 will focus on works appropriate to perform for K-12 school audiences. This comprehensive initiative designed to empower local artists focuses on arts education shows for school audiences using existing elements of live performances. 

The program spans three parts, including remote sessions for strategic planning and business development, on-site sessions for live show analysis and community tours, and remote sessions for arts entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, and guidance on best tour practices. 

Through mentorship, education, and networking, artists gain crucial skills to invest in themselves successfully. The ultimate goal of the pilot is to create a sustainable business model for artists within the live performing arts ecosystem, fostering long-term partnerships and opportunities for touring and for Quad City Arts to provide a responsive and supportive professional development program for local performing artists. 

QCPAM is commissioned by Quad City Arts and in partnership with Christine Cox of C Squared Entertainment. The program is dedicated to collaborating closely with organizations/businesses in the Quad Cities region to make a positive and lasting impact on the local community.

Who QCPAM is for

• Live performing artists in genres including but not limited to music, dance, theater, puppetry, magic, circus, storytelling, spoken word, etc. 
• Must have a show appropriate for school audiences in need of further development or would like to create a new show designed for school audiences.
• Must be located in the Quad Cities region, a six-county area in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

How QCPAM works

• Customized programming for each individual artist as we understand that some will need to focus on the development of their show while others will need more assistance in business  development and marketing their work. 
• The program's timeline spans 6-9 months, with a commitment to providing tailored resources and support for each participating artist.
• The span of commitment will be based on the needs of the artist. 
• If you are restricted with time due to personal and work commitments, please let us know in your application. There is content that is being created that you can do live and/or at your own pace.

Stipend For Artists

• 3-5 participating artists will receive a stipend of $1,500 each.
• Stipend is to assist with covering additional business and artistic expenses to help off set upfront costs in the further development while participating in QCPAM.
• Stipend is not a performance fee.

APPLY for QCPAM

Applications will open on Tuesday, April 9 and are due on Thursday, April 25.
​Artists selected for the spring 2024 QCPAM cohort will be notified on Friday, May 3.

Applications closed for the season

FAQ About QCPAM

I’ve never performed for school audiences but believe that my work could translate to arts education. Can I apply?

It is not required that the artist already has a show for school audiences upon submission of their application. All mentorships will be customized to the needs of the artist and development of a new work for school audiences could be your focus.

I already have a show that I’ve performed for school audiences. Can I still apply?

Shows may already be created! This program is about taking it to the next level! All mentorships will be customized to the needs of the artist and we will work with you from whatever stage in the process you are in.

​What will I get from my participation and what deliverables/resources will be provided?

​Artists will receive a customized checklist that they will use throughout their participation in the program with actionable steps to follow. In addition to access to resources and templates on best practices in business, marketing, sales, and creation.

Will this take place in-person or virtually?

Many of the group workshops will be held virtually via Zoom on topics spanning from arts entrepreneurship, best practices for school audiences, how to market your work, best ways to pitch yourself, how to build a tech rider, create contracts, and many more.

What can I expect for in-person experiences?

​There will be in-person workshops taking place with local businesses/organizations. In addition there will be scheduled time where Quad City Arts will pair artists to have access to young audiences to further get their show in front of live audiences with feedback and support provided on site.

I have to support myself with my day job and won’t have the time for this. can I still apply?

We understand that for many they are not able to give up current work/obligations to focus on their art full time. We want to provide artists with tools to help them excel and have an opportunity to create a viable artistic business with the stipend, resources, and professional development provided.

What will the artists be expected to participate in?

We are looking for artists to attend as many live sessions (approximately 8-12 sessions taking place over a 9 month period). Some sessions will be available as recordings to watch at your own pace. However, there are some sessions and resources that will require live attendance.  
During the program you will be expected to perform your school show for an appropriate aged audience with Quad City Arts assisting in pairing you with a local venue. Please note that this will be an unpaid performance opportunity, but an important opportunity to receive feedback that you can put into immediate practice.

Upon completion of the program what will I need to provide?

• Share their budget with a short report of how they spent their stipend
• Present their marketing plan
• A short pitch about their show
• A tech rider

qUESTIONS? cONTACT uS!

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the Quad Cities Performing Arts Mentorship. 

Margot G. Day

Performing Arts Director
309.793.1213 ext. 106

Email